She looked around to see who was at the ocean this morning. There were forty or fifty people at the beach, but she was looking for one person in particular. She squinted across the small crowd for her target, ready to get the scheduled Play started.
Down near the water’s edge, an elderly couple sat on chairs in the brine, chatting while splashing their feet in the ocean waters. The husband leaned over and said something into his wife’s ear which caused her to nudge him playfully and laugh.
Parents with small children watched their little ones toddle toward the water where they splashed and giggled. Bigger offspring made sand castles to show to anyone who would stop and remark on them. They used their hands and shovels to dig deep to expose tiny creatures, dug them out, and squealed with delight as they rushed to show them to their parents.
Young men and women with surfboards tethered to their legs were out on the waves. It was a typical gathering for this time of day and month of the year of families and friends enjoying the inviting Atlantic Ocean at Indialantic, Florida.
“Lissa,” a young man’s voice said from behind. A shadow fell across her blanket when he stepped closer.
Lissa shivered then recovered.
Bergen smiled, his gaze revealing admiration.
He placed his beach blanket next to hers after she invited him to sit next to her. He sat down and clasped his arms about his legs, looking out at the ocean through his newly purchased sunglasses. His yellow surfboard was stuck in the sand behind them.
“It’s beautiful here. Sunny and warm. And the ocean is much nicer than up north,” he said.
“Then you’re not from Florida?”
“No, I’m from here,” Craig lied. “But I’ve visited family in Atlantic City, New Jersey. And I vacationed at the ocean in Maryland, and Delaware, too. Right now, we live in that motel there,” he said, gesturing to an older three-story yellow building behind them. A large neon sign advertised the building as The Banana Motel, a local landmark for its name and color.
“You are so lucky to live right on the beach,” Lissa said. “I have to drive twenty minutes and then cross the causeway to get here. I live on the mainland.”
“It’s only a temporary arrangement,” Bergen said. “Our house is being remodeled top to bottom. The contractors won’t be done for months. I’m really getting tired of living in a motel.” He broke from the conversation and looked out to the Atlantic, smiling his best in an attempt to get her to like him.
“I’m sorry to hear you’re out of your home. But, the good thing is that it’s time limited. It will be worth it when you finally get back in.” She studied his face. “Not to change the subject, but how old are you and are you still in school?”
“I’m eighteen. I just graduated this year. From one of the charter schools. I’ll be starting at Auburn University in Alabama in the fall. How about you?”
“I’ll be a senior this year at a parochial school. I’m seventeen,” she said. “I’ll be soooooo glad to graduate.”
Throughout the morning, the two shared stories of their lives with the nonstop dialogue that new acquaintances do. They ran in and out of the water, swimming near the shore to avoid being carried out to sea by the strong undertow. Other times, they floated, holding onto each other, enjoying the water and flirting.
When they were back on their blankets, Lissa’s cell phone rang a couple times, and she carried a short conversation before hanging up.
“I don’t have a cell phone,” Bergen said. “Can’t afford it.”
“My parents insist I have one so they can keep in touch with me. They’re always saying, ‘You can never be too careful.’ ”
“Very true. There’re some weird characters in the world.” He beamed confidently as if he were not one of those she should be worried about.
“I’ll have to be leaving soon,” Lissa said. “Work.” She rolled her eyes as if the thought was disagreeable and started to gather her belongings.
“Do you think we could meet somewhere tonight? Just to go for a walk or something?” He helped her pick up some of her items.
“Sure,” Lissa said. “Where?”
“How about right here? This is close to where we’re staying, and hardly anyone comes here at night. What’s a good time for you?”
“Is 8:30 a good time? I’ll be off work by then and will have had dinner with my family. And my homework will be finished. Will that work for you?”
“That would be great. We’ll be finished with dinner then, too.” The late hour would insure they had the cover of darkness which pleased him.
Bergen helped Lissa gather her things together, careful not to stare at her bikini-clad figure.
She placed the items down and gave him a brief hug. His body was warm, and he smelled like coconut suntan lotion.
Lissa noted how smooth his skin felt and, though it repulsed her, gave a little squeeze of encouragement before letting go.
After hugging her, he gathered his own belongings. So far, his experiences with the pretty girls confirmed his conclusion that they are all pretty stupid about boys and life.
“I bring so much junk when I come here,” she said, picking everything back up. She pushed her towel down into the beach bag, covering the items beneath.
“Here, I’ll carry that for you,” Bergen said, reaching for the bag.
Lissa kept a firm grip on the bag which held her firearm. “No, that’s all right, you carry this.” She handed him her blanket which he shook out and folded.
He resisted pulling her close for another hug, not wanting to be too forward yet. If all went according to plan, there would be plenty of time for that later.
They walked together across hot sand to the boardwalk which led to the parking lot.
Lissa pulled her phone out, punched some numbers and said, “Hi Daddy. I’m on my way to work, now.” She listened for some short instructions and hung up.
“Parents,” she lied to Bergen. “They always want to know where I am.”
“Mine, too. But that’s good. Keeps you safe,” he said. “I’m looking forward to seeing you tonight.” He flashed his killer grin. “And maybe I’ll get to meet your parents sometime.”
“Sure. They’ll want to meet you if we are going to date. I don’t think I’ll tell them about tonight, though. I’ll just say I’m going somewhere with my girlfriends. First dates can be awkward.”
“Yeah, that’s for sure. See you at 8:30.” He was thrilled, convinced again by her response to him, that he was right - the pretty girls are stupid. This girl was willing to meet him alone and not tell anyone whom she was meeting.
“Oh, if I’m late, don’t worry. Just wait for me, okay? I have homework to do.” She smiled coyly, cocking her head to the side.
Bergen waved to her as she crossed A1A at the traffic light to work.
Lissa waved back and yelled, “Remember to wait for me. Okay?”
Bergen was pleased that they would be meeting at the beach. It would be dark, and there would be no lights shining there because the turtles were nesting. He was mindful of the ordinance against any businesses casting light on or near the beach. Without the artificial light to distract them, the newly hatched turtles would drag themselves toward the moonlight dancing on the ocean and freedom, instead of crawling to the lighted highway and certain death. He was excited that the darkness would give him the necessary cover but thought it stupid for anyone to care about a bunch of turtles.
Lissa changed her clothes in the bathroom at the surf shop. She ran a brush through her hair, looking at herself in the mirror to make sure her makeup was still good. She placed her cosmetics and beach bag in her locker and prepared to work. She deliberately fingered the locker door for just a moment, transferring her prints to the metal. She considered her job and how much she enjoyed selling beach items to the customers. She was going to miss the friends she had made already.
“Hi,” Lissa said to her supervisor. “How’s business today?” She smiled and immediately beg
an her shift, straightening up clothing that customers had carelessly re-hung on the racks or tossed somewhere.
“Business is slow, but it will be better now that you’re here,” Albert said. “Looks like you were at the beach again this morning.”
“Yep. It’s the best way to begin the day.” She laughed. “As I always say, we sea turtles have to be near the water.”
“I used to be that way, too, when I was your age. I’m a Florida native. Wouldn’t want to be anywhere else.” He looked at his young salesgirl. “Where are you originally from? I detect some kind of an accent but can’t seem to pin it down. If my wife were to hear you, she’d pinpoint it. She’s very good at that.”
Lissa’s pulse jumped a bit and wanting to change the subject, she blurted, “Oh. Guess what. Remember that teenager who was in the store here yesterday? Craig Bergen. Real cute. Bought some sunglasses and stuff.”
“Tried on all the sunglasses and bought two pairs and three towels,” Albert said, all proud of himself for his memory. “Sure, I remember him. Why?”
“We’re going out tonight. Meeting at the beach at 8:30,” Lissa said, making sure he heard her every word.
“Good for you. Not to take away from your excitement, but have you found out anything about him? I wouldn’t want a nice girl like you getting involved with someone who could be trouble.”
“Yes, I have. We met again this morning at the beach, and he told me all about himself. He’s eighteen-years-old. Graduated from a local charter school. Will be going to Auburn University in the fall. Loves to surf. Lives at a motel with his parents. Likes rock and roll. Doesn’t drink alcoholic beverages. And he has family in New Jersey.” She kept working.
“Wow. You found out a lot about him. What do your parents think? I want to know what my daughters are doing and who they're going out with, so I’m sure your parents do, too.”
“They said it’s all right as long as I keep my cell phone nearby and call them frequently. So, that’s my plan.”
“What’s he doing living in a motel?” Albert asked. “That’s a bit unusual.”
“He said his home is being remodeled and taking longer than they thought it would. Guess the construction crew had lots to do.”
Albert screwed up his face at that explanation. “Hmmm. That’s possible.”
The front door opened and a young couple entered the store.
“Gotta get to work,” Lissa said. “Talk to you later.”
CHAPTER FOUR
Eight-twenty pm...
A dark car pulled up at the corner of A1A and Fifth Avenue in Indialantic. The back door opened and Lissa emerged. She adjusted her white, short-sleeved, cotton blouse down over a white, flowing cotton skirt. Her clothes reflected what little light was available, making her visible to anyone watching. On her feet, she wore gray ballerina slippers with beads on top and laces that tied around her lower legs almost up to her knees. She tapped her left side to be sure her cell phone was still there and was comforted in feeling the hard case.
“Be safe,” the driver said.
“Thanks,” Lisa said. “Tell Daddy I’m going to meet Bergen now. This Act of our Play is ready to begin.”
“Will do. See you real soon,” Benny said. He gave a short wave as he inched back into the slow moving traffic heading north along the ocean.
“I’m on my way. I just dropped her off at the beach and will swing around to pick her back up,” Benny said into his cell phone. “She said to tell you she’s on her way to meet him. One thing, Daddy. I’m not sure, but I think I’m being followed.”
“Lose them,” Daddy said. “And double around, change cars and follow them. Then get back to me when you find out who they are.”
“I’ll do my best. If they’re able to follow me, they’re pretty good. But I’m better.” He sped up, skillfully moving in and out of traffic before making a U-turn.
Lissa trembled as she thought of tonight’s Act. Her skin felt clammy despite the warm evening. It was always this way when she was doing a Play and setting someone up. It was exciting, but scary. A black, lightweight, long coat was folded and carried underneath her left arm. She tucked it in tighter, making it barely noticeable.
“Yoo hoo. Lissa,” a woman’s voice called out to her from a beach house near the boardwalk. “Yoo hoo. Look, Helen, it’s Lissa,” the older woman said to her friend. She waved her arms to get the girl’s attention. “Come over and say hello. We want to see you.”
Lissa walked over to the dimly lit patio where the voice was coming from. “Hi, Mrs. Anderson. How are you?” She gave the older woman a hug.
“I’m good, dear. And I’ve told you repeatedly to call me Ginny,” the kindly woman said, tsking and grasping Lissa’s hand. She pointed to a friend sitting at the table with her and said, “This is my neighbor, Helen. You remember Helen, don’t you?” She pulled Lissa closer so her friend could get a good look.
Helen, a senior citizen like Ginny, smiled and greeted Lissa.
“Ginny invited me to dinner tonight. Wasn’t that nice?” Helen said. “We made plans weeks ago to eat dinner here on the patio and enjoy the lovely evening.” She looked closer at the girl. “I remember you from somewhere.”
“It was nice of her to invite you. And I remember you, Helen. You came with Ginny a couple of times into the surf shop where I work. Nice to see you again.” She shook Helen’s offered hand. Plans were working out well. Both ladies would definitely remember her being here.
“That’s where I know you from. Of course. What are you doing out tonight?” Helen asked. “And looking so pretty.”
Ginny smiled knowingly. “You do look lovely, Lissa.”
“I probably shouldn’t be telling you, but I’m meeting a date here at the beach. His name is Craig.” Lissa smiled. “Craig Bergen. It’s our first date.”
“Do we know him, Ginny?” Helen asked. “Craig Bergen,” she repeated. “Hmmm. No, it doesn’t ring a bell. What’s he look like?”
“He’s that cute young man we see around here once in awhile,” Ginny said. “Yellow surfboard. Lives at The Banana Motel over there.” She gestured toward a yellow building up the beach from her home. “Always carrying that surfboard around.”
“I know who you mean now,” Helen chirped. “He’s good-looking, Lissa. How old is he? I can never tell anybody’s age anymore, they all look so young. It used to be a lot easier.”
“He told me he is18,” Lissa said. “One year older than me. I gotta get going now or I’ll be late for my date.”
“Look how pretty you are in that beautiful outfit. He’s gonna be dazzled,” Ginny said. “And look at those cute little shoes.” She and Helen admired the way the gray ballerina slippers were shining in the patio light.
Lissa, mindful of how important it will be for the women to remember what she was wearing, pulled her skirt up a little so they could get a closer look at her shoes.
“Now get going,” Ginny said. “So you don’t disappoint your young man.” She had a mischievous grin. “I never bought into that ‘keep them waiting’ thing that some girls did. I was always on time for my dates.” She looked smug. “And I had plenty of them, in my day.”
“You two have fun tonight,” Lissa said as she walked away. “Enjoy yourselves. I'm glad I got to see you.”
The women waved as the young woman walked toward the boardwalk and down the steps leading to the beach.
“Remember what it was like when we were that age, Ginny?” Helen said. “Oh my goodness. To be young like that again. Reminds me of my husband Alvin. In our day, we’d get dressed up pretty, too, and go to meet our sweethearts.”
Ginny nodded. “I remember everything as if it was yesterday,” she said, as she thought of the small figure gliding toward her rendezvous.
Her thoughts were different from Helen’s. They were focused on the birth of her only child, Bobby. His chubby little face and sweet disposition. She reminisced of him growing into a toddler, a child, teenager, young man, a good, respons
ible, community-minded citizen. He had been a good son, and suddenly he was murdered. Her heart ached as she thought of the justice which will be served for Bobby with the Theater Group’s play.
Helen asked Ginny about the dessert they were eating, bringing her back to the present. The women resumed their visit with Ginny reminding Helen of the outfit Lissa had been wearing. They discussed her lovely shoes in detail.
Treading lightly on the wooden stairway, Lissa stopped before getting all the way down the steps. She pulled the long, black coat out from under her arm, put it on, and buttoned it up, covering her white outfit completely. She pulled the hood up over her hair and walked briskly along the sea-grape brush, away from where Bergen was waiting. She called Daddy on the phone and scheduled the driver to pick her up.
Down at the beach...
Bergen was walking at the ocean’s edge, eagerly awaiting his target. Hands in his pockets, he fumbled with items there, wanting to be sure everything was ready. He looked out over the dark waters, rolling in and out of the shore, keeping an ancient beat. It mesmerized him for a moment, but he resumed his focus on Lissa’s arrival and his plans for her.
He pulled a small light from his key-chain and shined it on his watch. Eight-forty-five. Alone in the dark, he was concerned. Then he remembered how Lissa had told him she might be late and he was to wait for her. Those were her last words, so he assumed something must be holding her up.
He walked back and forth on the firmer sands at the water’s edge. He didn’t mind the wait. Extensive preparations had been made for this evening. Back at his motel room, everything was in its place. He loved it when his plans worked out so well. He was ready to add another name to his list and the photographs he planned on taking to help him relive the event.
CHAPTER FIVE
The next afternoon...
The two elderly women were greeted warmly by Albert as they entered the surf shop. Ginny went in first, holding the door for her slower friend, then turned to the clerk. “How are you, dear?” Ginny asked. “You know my friend, Helen,” she said, nodding at her companion.
Justice and Revenge Page 2
